Author: bourbonjourney

Is American Blended Whiskey Actually Good? Vintage vs Modern Kessler

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Sipping on History! 🥃 Turn back time with us on this Friday as we dive into a fascinating bottle-to-bottle showdown: 1978 Vintage Kessler Blended Whiskey vs. Modern 2026 Kessler!

We scored an incredible piece of whiskey history from our friends at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, Kentucky—a pristine, full-sized 1978 bottle of Kessler complete with its original ATF federal tax stamp and gorgeous diamond-molded glass. Back in ’78, this American blended whiskey was produced by Seagram at the historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana plant (now MGP). Today, the brand belongs to Suntory Global Spirits and is distilled at the Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky.

Astonishingly, both expressions maintain the exact same blend ratio: 27.5% straight whiskey and 72.5% grain neutral spirits. But do they taste the same?

We break down the nose, palate, and finish of both eras. From the old Indiana distillate’s wood-sugar concentration, butterscotch, and popping baking spices, to the modern Jim Beam low-rye mashbill’s sweet corn notes and effortless drinkability, this comparison completely blew us away. No ethanol burn, surprising legs, and a perfect candidate for a summer patio drink (Kessler and ginger ale, anyone?).

If you love exploring vintage dusties, American whiskey history, or just want to see how legendary brands hold up over the decades, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

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👉 Visit Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY for your own vintage catches! 

👉 Let us know in the comments: Have you ever tried vintage blended whiskey?

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

The Vintage “Then” Bottle (1978)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: Julius Kessler Company (A subsidiary of Seagram at the time)
  • Distillery: Julius Kessler Co. Plant, Lawrenceburg, IN (Now MGP), with blending/bottling line support out of Dundalk, MD and So. San Francisco, CA.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed. (The straight whiskey portion used a traditional bourbon/corn-heavy recipe; the neutral spirits were distilled at or above 190 proof from corn and rye).
  • Blend: 27.5% Straight Whiskies, 72.5% Grain Neutral Spirits.
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated). By law, the straight whiskey component had to be at least 2 years old.
  • Proof: 80 Proof
  • MSRP: Approx. $4.50-$5.50 in 1978 dollars.
  • Released: 1978 (Confirmed by the “78” glass mold stamp on the base).
  • Other: Features a paper federal tax strip issued by the Bureau of ATF (mandated post-1977). Bottled in a custom geometric diamond-molded glass bottle.

The Modern “Now” Bottle (2026)

  • Classification: American Blended Whiskey
  • Company: Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory)
  • Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont / Frankfort, KY.
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed. (The straight whiskey component utilizes Beam’s standard low-rye bourbon mash bill; the grain neutral spirit base is derived from industrial corn mashes).
  • Blend: 27.5% Straight Whiskies, 72.5% Grain Neutral Spirits.
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Stated). The back label explicitly verifies the straight whiskey portion is “2 years or more old.”
  • Proof: 80 Proof
  • MSRP: $5.99 for the 375 mL flask size.
  • Released: Modern Production (circa 2024–2026).
  • Other: Labeled with state deposit refunds (ME, VT, IA) and CA CRV. Features the modern “Lightweight Traveler” plastic bottle format and contains a standard federal health warning.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#VintageWhiskey #KesslerWhiskey #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #AmericanWhiskey #Seagrams #JimBeam Distillery #MGPDistillery #DustyBottles #WhiskeyReview #BlendedWhiskey #SippingHistory #VintageSpirits #WhiskeyComparison #BourbonEnthusiasts

How to Make The Beekeeper’s Sour | Summer Bourbon Cocktail

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Welcome to Episode 73 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails with Rebecca on Your Bourbon Journey! We are kicking off the summer season with a whiskey sour!

If you usually avoid honey-flavored whiskey because it’s overly sweet or syrupy, this recipe is for you. Tonight, we are making The Beekeeper’s Sour—a sophisticated, bourbon-forward whiskey sour variant that completely rethinks the honey-whiskey category. By pulling back on the sugar, adjusting the fresh lemon juice, and building a unique split-bitter backbone, we let the 92-proof Kentucky straight bourbon truly shine.

We’re also diving into advanced cocktail textures using gum syrup for a silky mouthfeel and Fee Foam for that perfect, frothy sour head without using egg whites. Plus, you’ll learn how a complex blend of Cardamom bitters and classic Angostura bitters grounds the wildflower honey notes for a crisp, balanced, and refreshing patio sipper.

If you enjoy craft cocktail recipes, bourbon reviews, and learning how to balance home bar drinks, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more whiskey journeys!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

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📋 The Beekeeper’s Sour Recipe

  • 2 oz Green River Honey Bourbon
  • 0.50 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (Adjust up to 0.75 oz if your lemons are less tart!)
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup
  • 3 dashes Fee Foam (or egg white)
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Cardamom Bitters
  • 1 dash Angostura Bitters Original
  • Garnish: Dehydrated lemon wheel

🍸 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine the Green River Honey Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, gum syrup, Fee Foam, and both styles of bitters into a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to achieve perfect chill, heavy aeration, and dilution.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. (Tip: Use a double-strainer if you didn’t pre-strain your fresh lemon juice!)
  4. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel placed flat on top of the beautiful foam layer. Cheers!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE:  The spirit featured in this recipe was provided to us as a media sample by the producer for review purposes. We were not compensated for this video, and our opinions remain entirely our own. All other items in this video were purchased by us. 

#WhiskeySour #GreenRiverBourbon #HoneyBourbon #CocktailRecipe #BourbonSour #SummerCocktails #ThirstyThursday #HomeBartender #WhiskeyJourney #CraftCocktails #BourbonWhiskey #CardamomBitters #FeeFoam #DrinkResponsibly #CocktailHour

The Proof Report: May 2026

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A Monthly Audit of the Whiskey Industry

By Rebecca Herman, PhD | Managing Member, Proof & Purpose Group

Part I: The Purpose

Insights into the strategy, markets, and movements defining the industry.

The whiskey landscape in May 2026 provided an undeniable case study in market consolidation, course correction, and rapid strategic adaptation. As the industry grapples with shifting consumer dynamics and evolving global trade economics, three primary operational themes defined the month:

The Production Correction: Leading the market data was a staggering 40% decline in Q1 distilling sales for contract-distilling giant MGP. This macro-slump quickly translated into a physical footprint pivot, marked by the strategic decision to temporarily halt distillation operations at major Kentucky heritage hubs, including Lux Row and Limestone Branch. This intentional idling underscores an industry-wide effort to stabilize aging inventory surpluses.

Asset Restructuring & Consolidation: The market correction is driving aggressive asset reallocation. A Kentucky judge’s court-ordered 90-day auction of the idle Garrard County Distilling Co. highlights the financial pressures facing newer infrastructure. Concurrently, wine and spirits juggernaut E. & J. Gallo’s move to acquire Four Roses from Kirin for an estimated $775 million signals a massive play by global players to secure established, premium market shares during industry downturns.

Macro Economic Relief: On the global stage, mid-month relief arrived via the official suspension of the 10% U.S. tariff on Scotch whisky. Restoring reciprocal, tariff-free trade directly impacts domestic distillers, as Scotch producers historically represent the largest export destination for used charred American white oak bourbon barrels.

Part II: The Proof

The liquid results. A narrative guide to the month’s most significant bottle releases.

While production lines calibrated behind the scenes, distillery innovation was on full display with a heavy influx of milestone, theme-driven expressions. The “Proof” of May 2026 belongs to a massive surge of celebratory history and premium portfolio expansions:

The Semiquincentennial Surge: Anticipation for America’s 250th anniversary dominated the blending labs. This month saw the debut of dedicated, premium commemorative releases designed to honor American heritage, highlighted by 15 STARS’ Kentucke County line, Evan Williams’ officially licensed America250 editions, and Four Branches Bourbon’s Liberty Reserve.

The Wheat Renaissance: Heaven Hill Distillery aggressively pushed its “Year of Wheat” campaign, launching its highly anticipated Grain to Glass series alongside a commemorative Rittenhouse Rye. This focused exploration of softer grain profiles was echoed by Town Branch’s new 6-Year Wheated Bourbon.

The Return of Elite Single Barrels: Collector demand for high-proof, recipe-specific complexity was answered by Four Roses’ expansion of its core Single Barrel Collection—releasing three distinct, coveted recipes (OESQ, OESF, and OBSK)—and the annual return of Elijah Craig’s highly allocated 18-Year-Old Single Barrel.

Nostalgic High-Proof Revivals: Heritage brands capitalized on legacy profiles. Wild Turkey generated immense collector buzz by unveiling its Austin Nichols Archives Collection, kicking off with a non-chill filtered, 16-Year-Old “Gold Foil” Edition at 120 proof. Meanwhile, Beam quietly thrilled enthusiasts by expanding a legendary line with the new Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year expression.

Looking for the full stories behind these insights?

For a comprehensive, chronological archive of the articles, press releases, and announcements from this month, view the complete May 2026 Bourbon & Whiskey News List on Your Bourbon Journey.

Bourbon & Whiskey News: May 2026

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06/03/26
Curated by Dr. Rebecca Herman

May 2026 Bourbon & Whiskey News: Market Shifts, Milestone Bottles, and Summer Reading Logs

The late spring sun has officially set on a blockbuster month, making the May 2026 edition of the Bourbon & Whiskey News a very packed digest with 60 definitive updates and affiliate-linked resources. The macro-whiskey landscape experienced monumental structural shifts this month, anchored by a stark 40% Q1 drop in MGP’s distilling sales that culminated in an immediate production pause at major Kentucky hubs, alongside a landmark judicial court-ordered auction of the idle Garrard County Distilling Co. Yet, while the market undergoes heavy consolidation, distillery innovation is firing on all cylinders.

This issue unpacks a massive wave of highly anticipated liquid arrivals—including a dominant surge of officially licensed “America250” commemorative expressions, the coveted return of elite annual single barrels, and sneaky premium label updates like the Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year.

Furthermore, we are officially expanding our coverage into the literary world with a dedicated review of this year’s hottest book releases. From Fred Minnick’s raw, historical deep dive into the soul of a bottom-shelf icon to highly stylized summer cocktail guides and custom flavor-wheel journals, we have everything you need to curate your home bar and perfect your warm-weather pours.

For those who would prefer the ‘Executive Summary’ before diving into the details, please see my curated series: The Proof Report. It distills this month’s massive news cycle into two clear categories: the industry’s strategic Purpose and the monthly liquid Proof. READ HERE

Industry Market News & Related Announcements >> 6 Stories

05/01: ACSA Unveils Certified Craft Seal for Distilleries

05/01: American Whiskey Giant MGP’s Distilling Sales Drop 40% in Q1

05/13: U.S. Bourbon Market Report

05/13: Brown-Forman Has Rejected Sazerac’s $15 Billion Takeover Bid: Report

05/25: Bourbon Spirits Market to Register US $7.8 billion to US $12.8 billion by 2031 Driven by Premiumization Demand

05/26: Whiskey Tourism Booms in Kentucky

Distillery News >> 3 Stories

05/08: Master distiller takes creative, long-range view at High West Distillery

05/21: High West sets the stage for distilling

05/29: Weston’s Holladay Distillery Prepares to Celebrate 170 Years

Distillery Trail >> 4 Stories

05/01: Hard Truth to Open New Music Venue

05/15: The Ingram Distillery Welcomes Visitors For Tours, Tastings

05/15: Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky opens its first-ever restaurant

05/28: Winery & Distillery Trail Tours Go Sober-Curious — Here’s What Non-Drinkers Can Expect

Awards Announced >> 7 Stories

05/06: Four Branches Bourbon Receives FOX Business Small Business National Recognition on the Heels of ‘Founders Reserve’ Release

05/07: Wigle Whiskey Takes Home the Gold

05/07: City of Covington Honors Wenzel Distillery with 2026 Adaptive Re-Use Award

05/08: Starlight Distillery wins Small Business Persons of the Year Award

05/12: The Best Bourbons According To The London Spirits Competition 2026

05/20: All Award-Winning Bourbons From The ADI International Spirits Competition 2026

05/27: Kentucky Peerless 10-Year Bourbon Awarded Double Platinum

Bourbon Festival News,Updates, & Planning >> 9 Festivals >> This Month’s Updates > 1

June 2026: National Bourbon Week Set to Return June 14-21

Aug 2027: Missouri Bourbon Festival, Hermann MO

Sep 2026: Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown KY

Sep 2026: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville KY

Oct 2026: Bourbon on the Banks, Frankfort KY

Jan 2027: BourbonCon, Lexington KY

Feb 2027: Bourbon Classic, Louisville KY

Mar 2026: New Orleans Bourbon Festival

May 2027: BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro KY

Bottle Releases >> 29 Stories

05/01: 15 STARS Unveils Kentucke County — a New Line Showcasing Two Expressions Celebrating 250 Years of American Spirit

05/01: Chicken Cock Whiskey Releases Old Glory: Rye Blended with Apple Brandy

05/02: Four Roses Is Releasing A New Single Barrel Collection With 3 Distinct Recipes This Month

05/04: Frank August Releases Case Study: 07

05/04: Stitzel-Weller Releases 31-Year Bourbon Expression

05/07: Beam Releases Little Book Chapter 10: All the Wiser

05/07: Hooten Young Released Constitution Hull Reserve

05/07: Castle & Key Distillery Debuts 2026 Experimental Series

05/08: New Riff Releases 2026 Single Malt Blend

05/12: Green River Distilling Co. Introduces Honey Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

05/13: Penelope Bourbon Unveils Architects of Golf

05/14: Town Branch Releases 6-Year Wheated Bourbon

05/15: Borderland Bourbon: Old Carter Whiskey Co. unveils rare 10-year bourbon in Texas

05/18: Evan Williams Bourbon Toasts America’s 250th Anniversary With Officially Licensed America250 Commemorative Releases

05/18: BHAKTA Spirits Releases BHAKTA 1868 AMERICA250 Edition, A Landmark Expression of American Greatness

05/18: Elijah Craig’s Coveted Single Barrel 18-Year-Old Bourbon Is Back

05/19: Wild Turkey Unveils The Next Chapter Of Its Bourbon Legacy: Wild Turkey Austin Nichols Archives, Gold Foil Edition

05/19: Remus Bourbon Honors Baseball Legend Lou Gehrig with New Reserve Release

05/19: Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2026 “Year of Wheat” Grain to Glass Releases

05/20: Four Branches Bourbon Announces Liberty Reserve, a Limited Commemorative Release Honoring 250 Years of America

05/21: Buffalo Trace Is Bringing Back 2 E.H. Taylor Bourbons Whiskey Fans Haven’t Seen in Years

05/21: Woodford Reserve Unveils Heirloom “Red Corn” Distillery Series

05/21: Heaven Hill Releases Commemorative Rittenhouse Rye

05/25: Bardstown Bourbon Announces New Distillery Reserve Expression

05/26: Barrell Craft Spirits Releases Batch 038 Bourbon Blend

05/27: 15 STARS Unveils First West Explorer, the Fourth Release in Its First West Collection and the Brand’s First With 100% In-House Distilled Bourbon

05/27: Michter’s Announces 2026 Release of Its Coveted 10 Year Rye

05/28: Beam Releases New Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year

05/28: Milam & Greene Unveils “Live Oak” Bourbon as the Latest Release in Its Wildlife Collection

Book Releases >> 10 2026 Publications


As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Books:

Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life: A gripping, narrative-driven historical investigation that explores the dramatic rise, fall, and cultural legacy of a true American whiskey icon—Old Crow Bourbon. Part history and part reflection on resilience, it is the perfect pairing for a deep evening pour.

Cocktail Books:

Spirits of ’76: Celebrating 250 Years with Cocktails from Every State: Timed perfectly ahead of America’s major 250th anniversary celebrations, this gorgeous book features a dedicated cocktail recipe inspired by each of the 50 states. It seamlessly balances modern mixology with fascinating historical facts.

Cowgirl Cocktails: Over 100 Cocktails Inspired by Ranches, Rodeos, and Real Good Times: Saddle up with a vibrant collection of over 100 bold, easy-to-master drink recipes that bring rustic, western charm straight to your glass. It is heavily packed with robust whiskey and tequila serves perfect for summer trailriders and backyard barbecues.

Beach Cocktails: Pours, Drinks, Sips, and Bites: The quintessential summer entertaining guide, packed with bright, citrus-forward, and crisp, refreshing serves designed for warm-weather hosting, patio lounging, and coastal escapes.

Scottish Cocktails – Luxury & Deluxe Selection 2026: 20 Luxury Whisky & Gin Cocktail Recipes: A tightly curated, high-end collection tailored for the home mixologist who appreciates dry, complex, and spirit-forward profiles. It focuses exclusively on elevated serves using premium Scotch and botanically complex gins.

Cookbooks:

The Bourbon Cookbook: 60 recipes for sweet, smoky sauces, glazes, comfort dishes, and homemade desserts: A mouthwatering guide to cooking with America’s native spirit. This collection teaches home chefs how to use bourbon’s natural oak, vanilla, and caramel notes to elevate everything from high-heat grilling marinades to rich, decadent comfort foods.

Guide Books:

Kentucky Bourbon Passport: A Guide to Kentucky’s Storied Distilleries: The ultimate pocket companion for anyone planning a trek down south. Designed specifically for whiskey tourists, this journal makes it easy to log your distillery stops, exclusive gift shop bottle grabs, and memorable tour notes.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail (Premium Edition): A sleek, comprehensive travel blueprint packed with insider routing tips, regional historical context, and expert strategies for building the ultimate luxury whiskey vacation itinerary.

Pour Decisions: A Bourbon Tasting Journal – Track, Rate, and Remember Every Bourbon: A masterfully designed logbook built specifically for bourbon collectors. It features dedicated fields to track mash bills, barrel types, age statements, and custom flavor wheels to help keep your personal library organized.

Neat & Noted: A Whiskey Tasting Journal to Track, Rate & Remember Bourbon, Scotch & More: A versatile, all-in-one tasting companion engineered for the spirits polymath. Whether you are blinding a flight of high-proof rye, tasting a vintage Scotch, or evaluating an American single malt, this journal keeps your tasting notes airtight.

Touring the New $135M Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown

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Is this the futuristic reality of bourbon making? Welcome back to Bourbon Trail Tales and Taste! In Episode 62, Wayne and Rebecca take you on a Traveling Tuesday adventure to Bardstown, Kentucky, to visit our 71st unique US distillery stop: the brand-new, state-of-the-art Heaven Hill Springs Distillery!

Opened to the public in late 2025, this highly anticipated, ultra-modern facility represents a massive milestone—marking the first time since the devastating 1996 fire that Heaven Hill has a working distillery operating in Bardstown. We share our honest, unfiltered review of this highly automated, “antiseptic” tour experience. From riding the private transit bus and eating raw barley straight from the quality lab, to witnessing a facility run by a whopping five-person staff, we break down why this is a marvel of modern distilling engineering (and why it shouldn’t be your very first bourbon tour).

After the tour, we unpack our premium crystal souvenir glasses to crack open and taste the standard Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond 7-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! This specific bottle is the highly collectible Series 1 Limited Edition “Kentucky Collector’s Edition” Artist Series, featuring stunning watercolor labels by Louisville artist Bri Bowers.

Is this 100-proof, 78% corn pour still the “King of Bottled-in-Bond”? We deep dive into the creamy vanilla pudding nose, cinnamon palate, and unexpected black pepper finish. Drop a comment below: Have you visited the new Heaven Hill Springs facility yet? Don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more authentic distillery tours and whiskey reviews! Drink responsibly.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Heaven Hill Bottled-IN-Bond

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Heaven Hill Brands
  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery (Distilled at Bernheim in Louisville, KY – DSP-KY-1; Aged and Bottled in Bardstown, KY – DSP-KY-31)
  • Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7 Years Old
  • Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV)
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Released: September 2025 (Series 1 Collection)
  • Other: Limited Edition “Kentucky Collector’s Edition” Artist Series Collection featuring five unique watercolor labels by Louisville artist Bri Bowers. This specific label features the newly opened Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown.
  • Purchased: 03/28/26 for $64.99 at Heaven Hill Springs Distillery

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#HeavenHill #BottledInBond #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyTasting #DistilleryTour #HeavenHillSprings #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonReview #BardstownKY #WhiskeyReview #AmericanWhiskey #BourbonJourney #BTTT #ArtistSeries #DrinkResponsibly

New Riff Silver Grove 2026 Review: The Best $60 Bourbon? 

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Looking for the ultimate $60 barrel proof bourbon value? Today, Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey are diving into a highly anticipated bottle: the New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)!

Purchased directly from the New Riff Distilling gift shop in Newport, KY during a birthday trip, this year’s release features a 2-year age jump—climbing to a robust 6 years old. Clocking in at an impressive 116.4 proof, this high-rye bourbon (65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley) remains non-chill filtered to preserve every drop of its rich viscosity and essential barrel oils.

Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY, this bottle does more than taste good—a portion of the proceeds from every purchase goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects!

In this episode, we share the hilarious story of how Rebecca “hijacked” our VIP distillery tour, breaking down the rules of bourbon for a crowd traveling in for the Kentucky Derby weekend. Then, we break down the complex tasting notes, shifting from a citrus and hot nose into a palate popping with chocolate, caramel-coated orange zest, leather, and white pepper. Is this gift-shop exclusive still the biggest bargain on the Bourbon Trail? Watch to find out!

If you love whiskey reviews, distillery tour stories, and finding incredible bourbon values, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

📢 Drop a comment: Have you visited New Riff Distilling or tried their Silver Grove series? Let us know your thoughts!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

New Riff Silver Grove Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2026 Edition)

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Barrel Proof, Non-Chill Filtered)
  • Company / Distillery: New Riff Distilling (Newport, KY)
  • Mash Bill: High-Rye: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
  • Age: 6 Years Old (A big 2-year jump from previous releases!)
  • Proof: 116.4 Proof (58.2% ABV)
  • MSRP: $59.99 (In-store gift shop exclusive)
  • Purchased: 05/01/26 at New Riff Distilling
  • Other: Named after the site of New Riff’s massive rickhouse expansion project down the river in Silver Grove, KY. Even better—a portion of the proceeds from every bottle goes directly to the Silver Grove Community Foundation to fund local civic and park projects.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#NewRiff #YourBourbon Journey #BourbonReview #SilverGrove2026 #BarrelProof #KentuckyBourbon #BourbonTrail #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonValue #ExclusiveBourbon #NewRiffDistilling #AmericanWhiskey #BourbonCountry #WhiskeyReview #DrinkResponsibly

Ultimate May Whiskey Battle: Road to the Sweet 16!

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Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! It’s that time of the month again, and Wayne and Rebecca are diving headfirst into an absolute powerhouse lineup for our May 2026 Whiskey of the Month blind tasting! As we continue our high-stakes Road to the Sweet Sixteen, the competition is tighter than ever. With our current leaderboard running a massive scoring range of 91 to 99.5 and a Top 10 average sitting at an elite 94.95, every single point counts. Will this month’s winner have what it takes to secure a permanent spot in the year-end playoffs?

In this episode, we shake things up with a rapid “express tasting” to see the gorgeous legs and color consistency before diving deep into our traditional scoring system. Every bottle starts at a baseline of 80 points, with up to 5 points for the nose, 10 for the taste, 3 for the finish, and up to 2 elusive wild card points reserved for something truly outstanding.

We also announce some massive channel updates coming this December—including our upcoming hard-to-get distillery exclusive playoff, vintage whiskey of the year, and cocktail of the year!

Our May 2026 Contenders (In Alphabetical Order):

🥃 Cigar Blend “First Cut” | American Single Malt Whiskey (Virginia Distillery Co.) 
🥃 Fresh Bourbon Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Fresh Bourbon, LLC) 
🥃 Hard Truth 7-Year Wheated Bourbon | Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Hard Truth Distilling Co.) 
🥃 Jackson Purchase Full Proof (Special Festival Release) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Jackson Purchase Distillery) 
🥃 Left Bank Single Cask (Release 5) | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Left Bank Distilled Spirits) 

From sweet honeysuckle aromas and rich butterscotch notes to deep barrel char and bold baking spices, this flight completely blindsided our palates. Watch until the very end to see the final score adjustments and find out which of these bottles completely stunned us, shook up the leaderboard, and forced the very first bottle elimination of the year!

Drop a comment below: Have you tried any of these expressions? Which bottle did you think would take the crown this month?

If you love authentic, transparent whiskey reviews, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join us on the journey!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

📊 SEE THE LIVE LEADERBOARD: Want to see where these bottles rank against the rest of the field? Check out our real-time leaderboard here: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/the-live-leaderboard-road-to-the-sweet-sixteen/

🥃 OUR NEW SCORING PROCESS: We’ve revamped our scoring to be more transparent than ever. Read the full breakdown of our new rubric and the “Sweet Sixteen” bracket process on our website: 👉 https://yourbourbonjourney.com/2026/02/27/decoding-the-pour-the-new-your-bourbon-journey-scoring-woty-process/

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Original Reviews for Today’s Bottles:

🥃 Cigar Blend:

🥃 Fresh Bourbon, Jackson Purchase, and Left Bank:

🥃 Hard Truth:

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producers for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#YourBourbonJourney #Bourbon #WhiskeyReview #BlindTasting #RoadToSweet16 #WhiskeyCollection #BourbonWhiskey #CraftWhiskey #WhiskeyTasting #HighProofBourbon #BourbonCommunity #SingleMaltWhiskey #WheatedBourbon #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife

This Smoked Bourbon Old Fashioned Isn’t Too Sweet! 

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Take your Old Fashioned to the next level with The Amber Coast, a rich, spirit-forward smoked cocktail that bridges modern mixology with a piece of liquid history! In Episode 72 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca crafts a sophisticated twist on the classic bourbon cocktail using a bold, high-rye bourbon and a secret vintage ingredient from 1983.

Whether you love whiskey tasting, exploring complex bourbon recipes, or looking for the perfect transitional spring-to-summer drink, this craft cocktail delivers massive flavor. We are combining robust oak and black pepper notes with a unique vanilla-citrus sweetness and a clean, smoky finish. Grab your cocktail mixing glass and smoke infuser, and let’s mix a drink together!

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The Recipe: The Amber Coast

  • Style: Smoked Old Fashioned / Spirit-Forward
  • Glassware: Heavy Rocks Glass
  • Ice: One large clear cube
  • Smoke Agent: Cherry Apple wood

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz High-Rye Bourbon (Featured: Green River Full Proof)
  • 0.5 oz French 43 Liqueur
  • 0.25 oz Dry Vermouth (Featured: Vintage Stock/Schenley circa 1980s)
  • 3 dashes Jeptha Creed Strawberry Ginger Bitters
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

Instructions:

  1. Combine the High-Rye Bourbon, French 43, Dry Vermouth, and both types of bitters in a cocktail mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for 15–20 seconds for optimal chilling, integration, and dilution.
  3. Strain the mixture into a heavy rocks glass over a single large, clear ice cube.
  4. Express a fresh orange peel over the top of the glass to release the citrus oils, then drop it in.
  5. Use a cocktail smoker to infuse the drink with burning cherry wood smoke. Let the smoke settle to caramelize the oils.
  6. Serve, sip, and enjoy responsibly!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

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This Is NOT Your Average Flavored Whiskey! Green River Honey

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Is this the new ultimate summer sipper, or just another overly sweet flavored whiskey? Today, we are diving into a brand new media bottle release from the 10th oldest registered distillery in Kentucky: Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey!

Unlike heavily sweetened liqueur blends or brands that rely on artificial flavorings, Green River Honey takes a fundamentally different, completely honest approach. Master Blender Dan Callaway and the team take genuine four-year-old Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon and pour 100% real, raw, unfiltered local honey directly into the barrel. They let time and natural barrel interaction do all the work—no shortcuts, no artificial coloring, and no post-production blending additives.

The proprietary honey blend is procured in partnership with Above the Dirt Garden and Honey Shop, a Kentucky Proud™, beekeeper-owned business working with family apiaries across the Midwest and South.

At an incredibly approachable MSRP of just $24.99 and a perfect cocktail-ready 92 proof, this expression stands out in a category often defined by low-proof shortcuts. We break down the incredible legs and mouthfeel, the unexpected spice on the finish, and discuss whether a future single barrel or full proof expression could be on the horizon!

Have you spotted Green River Honey on the shelves yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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🍹 Signature Cocktail Recipe: Green River Honey Gold Rush

Bring the cocktail lounge experience home with this versatile, balanced foundation:

  • 2 oz Green River Honey Finished Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio)
  • Instructions: Shake vigorously with ice. Strain over a single large ice cube into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fancy lemon wheel if you want to dress it up!

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Green River Honey Finished Bourbon Whiskey

  • Classification:  Straight Bourbon Whiskey with Natural Flavors 
  • Company: Lofted Spirits
  • Distillery: Green River Distilling Co. (DSP-KY-10) — Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
  • Age: 4 Years
  • Proof: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
  • MSRP: $24.99 (750mL)
  • Released: May 15, 2026

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits and Green River Distilling for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

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Japan Meets Kentucky! Bardstown Mars Distillery Reserve Review

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What happens when Kentucky tradition meets Japanese innovation? 🥃✨ 

In this episode of Your Bourbon Journey, we are bringing you an exclusive, first-look whiskey review of a groundbreaking new bottle before its retail launch: the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend!

Thanks to Lofted Spirits and Bardstown Bourbon Co. for sending us this early media review bottle! This isn’t your average finished whiskey. Instead, Bardstown Master Blender Dan Callaway pioneered a true “co-aging” process. They took 5-year-old Japanese single malt whisky from the Mars Komagatake and Tsunuki distilleries and filled the “angel’s share” space right into barrels of mature 10-year and 16-year Kentucky straight bourbon. The spirits spent a full 12 months integrating together in the Kentucky heat.

We crack this bottle fresh to give you our unfiltered first impressions on the complex mouthfeel, rich viscosity, and unique tasting notes—from caramelized plum and vanilla bean to the stunning, lingering finish of rare Sakura (cherry wood) and plum liqueur barrels.

Priced at $99.99 for a 375mL bottle and bottled at a bold 109.8 proof, this extremely limited distillery exclusive drops on Friday, May 29, 2026, only at the Bardstown gift shop and Louisville tasting room. Is it worth standing in line for? Watch to find out!

If you love innovative whiskey, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, drop a comment with your thoughts, and always drink responsibly!

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Mars Single Malt Japanese Whiskey Blend

  • Classification:  Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Single Malt Japanese Whisky
  • Company: Lofted Spirits   
  • Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company (Kentucky) and Mars Distilleries (Komagatake & Tsunuki, Japan)
  • Mash Bill: Multi-Component Component Blend:
    • 69% Kentucky Bourbon: 74% Corn, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
    • 8% Kentucky Bourbon: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
    • 20% Mars Komagatake: 100% Malted Barley
    • 3% Mars Tsunuki: 100% Malted Barley
  • Age: Multi-Component Blend (Aged 5 to 16 Years) with 12 Months of Co-Aging:
    • 10-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (69%)
    • 16-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon (8%)
    • 5-Year-Old Komagatake Japanese Single Malt (20%)
    • 5-Year-Old Tsunuki Japanese Single Malt (3%)
  • Proof: 109.8 (54.9% ABV)
  • MSRP: $99.99 (375ml)
  • Release: May 29, 2026 (Distillery Exclusive)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: Thank you to Lofted Spirits & Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing this bottle for review. Your Bourbon Journey maintains strict editorial independence; samples are accepted for educational and review purposes only and are never a guarantee of a favorable review.

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